Actaea pachypoda (Doll's Eyes)

American woodland native. In spring the astilbe like foliage is topped with airy bottlebrush type creamy white fragrant flowers. The flower stems which are held nicely above the foliage then thicken and turn an attractive rosy red. Small yellowish-green berries develop, enlarge to pea size, turn white with a distinctive small dark purplish spot -- giving the effect of Doll Eyes. It is among my favorite shade plants and is one of the most asked about plants in our display gardens where it enjoys two locations -- one under a Magnolia acuminata just across from the pond separated by a grass path; the other in our shadiest garden we call the North Garden. The photo was taken in early June. Actaea pachypoda is just left of the Magnolia tree -- the plant with the tall naked silvery legs. Here the blooms which are held well above the foliage, have already dropped their petals and are now the small greenish berries are just beginning to form. This native will tolerate woodland conditions. Like Aconitum, this plant contains toxic compounds in all parts. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot